Most games use either in-game chat or external chat apps like Discord, so a decent microphone is a must-have. Mics in gaming headsets tend to come in two flavors: hyper-cardioid, that pick up the sound directly in front of them, or omnidirectional, that pick-up sound from different directions.

If you plan on using your headset just for gaming, a cardioid mic should do the trick, since you can use it to chat to folks in your game and then move it away from your mouth to chat to others in the same room. If, however, you plan on also using your headset for, say, work meetings as well as gaming, an omnidirectional microphone will better pick up the sound of both you and your colleagues talking. Additionally, if you plan on using your set as a pair of headphones, you’ll need to make sure your headset’s mic is detachable.

The sound clarity and ease-of-use of your microphone is also important. We suggest looking out for features like noise cancellation and sound dampening for a better-quality sound experience. For convenience, an automatic mute button is useful when you want to quickly block out any sound from your end.

Gaming headsets are generally okay for basic communication and in-game chat but fall short of dedicated microphones in terms of audio quality. For professional voice recording, opt for an external microphone specifically designed for high-quality audio capture.

If you don't need to take many calls but still want to minimize environmental noise, look for noise-cancelling headphones. They use outward-facing microphones to listen for distracting noises and generate waves that cancel them out before they hit your ear. Active noise cancellation (ANC) circuitry adds to the cost but helps muffle the sounds of noisy pets, kids, roommates, traffic, and construction. These headphones typically don't have boom microphones, so they aren't as suitable for phone calls.

If your job requires you to take a lot of calls, consider a dedicated Bluetooth headset. These devices can be monoaural (for one ear) or stereo (for both ears) and typically feature powerful boom microphones with noise-cancelling circuitry that blocks out all but your voice. The primary appeal of these headsets lies in their microphones, although some also deliver high-quality sound.

Consider purchasing a gaming headset if you're looking for a boom mic and excellent sound at a reasonable price. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Wired models tend to be less expensive and work well for making calls on your computer, although Bluetooth offers more convenience.